Update: PSC Development

During this week’s faculty meeting, several members of the PSC Advisory Panel presented seven goals within their strategic plan, which aims to (1) increase visibility of the PSC and (2) strengthen the impact of the PSC as a scaffold for conducting high impact research, training, and mental health services for the community. 

The seven goals of the strategic plan are as follows: 

1)  Increase connections between the PSC and relevant campus colleges, departments and programs and to the broader Columbia community and increase outreach to a wide array of university and community stakeholders.

2)  Strengthen and diversify evidence-based services at the PSC in the context of an effective and evolving continuous quality improvement (CQI) program and reflecting a strong clinical science emphasis. 

3)  Develop and expand a Campus/Community Advisory Board for the center to provide guidance to its improvement and expansion and to increase university and community connections and support. 

4)  Conduct social marketing activities to ensure that the name and presentation of services and programs of the center resonate with university and community stakeholders.

5)  Increase use of the center for interdisciplinary training on evidence-based practices and state-of-the-art developments in psychology and mental health promotion.

6)  Develop research infrastructure and increase utilization of the PSC as a platform for programs of high impact and externally funded research.

7)  Enhance funding for the center through the pursuit of diverse mechanisms including research grants, endowments, and contracts with local and state agencies.

Postdoctoral Fellow Leslie Taylor,
Associate Director of Program Development

According to Postdoctoral Fellow Leslie Taylor, the strategic plan proposes a transition year during which the PSC steering team, under the direction of Drs. Weist and Smith, will begin pursuing these goals using existing departmental resources. During this time, Adrian Laseter will assume the role of Associate Director of Clinical Services, and Leslie Taylor will operate as Associate Director of Program Development. The goals of the steering committee will be more fully pursued during the 2012-13 academic year with anticipated hiring of a full time PSC Director, who will also hold a clinical assistant professor appointment. 

Current Director Dr. Heckel has agreed to continue in the 2011-12 academic year, and to then become Co-Chair of the PSC Campus/Community Advisory Board.  The team will also appoint a co-chair from the community with experience in mental health and strong connections at the community and state levels. The PSC Steering Committee has requested 3 years of funding for enhancement of the PSC during academic years 2012-15, with sustaining of these investments thereafter through grants and contracts.  

To learn more or get involved in PSC development, contact Leslie Taylor: TAYLORLK@mailbox.sc.edu